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LA Auto Show emphasizes convertibles and Green Car award

The 2012 LA Auto Show will run Nov. 11 - 18 at the LA Convention Center. Image: AndrewGorden/Flickr/CC BY

The Los Angeles Auto show began in 1907 as a exhibition tent. Since that time it has grown into one of the world’s largest showcases of what is new in the automotive industry. This year’s show will be no exception.

Opens in November

In addition to new models and concept cars, the show will emphasize convertibles as well as announcing the Green Car of the Year. The 2012 Los Angeles Auto show will run Nov. 11 through 18 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Green Car of the Year

This will mark the seventh year that the Green Car Journal will pick a Green Car of the Year. Green Car Journal explained the process used to select the finalists in a press release:

“Vehicles running on all fuels and technologies weigh in, including high-efficiency gasoline and diesel models along with ones that run on gaseous fuels, electricity and other alternative fuels. Along with quantifiable environmental achievement, market significance and ‘newness’ are but a few of many criteria considered as the field is narrowed to a final five.”

The five contenders this year include the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, the 2012 Mitsubishi i, the 2012 Toyota Prius V, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI and the 2012 Honda Civic CNG — which runs on compressed natural gas. Last year, the award was taken by the 2011 Chevy Volt.

The eclectic panel of jurors selecting the green car of the year include auto enthusiast and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, Ocean Futures Society president Jean-Michel Cousteau and Sierra Club president Carl Pope.

Convertibles debut

David Kiley of AOL Auto says convertibles will sell next year even though the auto market in general will be lean. According to Kiley, convertibles defy recession because “Customers not as affected by the tough economy as others are still game for buying second cars. And those cars are often of the ‘splurge’ variety: sports cars and convertibles.”

Several new convertibles will be introduced at the show. Volkswagen’s “ragtop” version of the 2012 Beetle Cabrio will premiere. Top-down driving has long been associated with the VW experience. Enthusiasts are getting very excited for a peek at the latest variation.